Popular Shotgun Ammunition For Self Defence

Popular Shotgun Ammunition For Self Defence

Dec 14th 2018

What is the best shotgun ammunition for self defence? This is a very common question if you are looking to purchase self defence ammunition.

The shotgun is really one of the effective firearm ever created for short range personal defense. No other firearm will devastate, disable, or discourage an aggressor as reliably as a shotgun. Shotguns are high powered man stoppers when used properly. This makes the shotgun the best possible choice and most effective choice when dealing with a close range attacker.

Shotgun ammunition consists of three general types:

  • Buckshot: A shotgun shell loaded with large diameter lead balls. It is used for big game hunting and for self defense.
  • Birdshot: Small-diameter pellets used for bird hunting. Its stopping power is poor, except when used at very close range - out to 20-30 feet. For that reason it is not generally recommended, except for home defense use.
  • Slugs: Solid projectiles, often quite larger, heavy and powerful. They allow you to extend your effective shotgun range. Slugs must be carefully aimed to be effective.

Preferred shotgun ammunition for self defense:

.20 gauge: The 20 gauge is an excellent caliber for self defense. It is particularly well suited to those of smaller stature and those that dislike the blast and recoil of the 12 gauge. 20-gauge shotguns have less recoil than 10, 12 or 16-gauge versions on average, and may be more desirable to those who want to experience less recoil for prolonged shooting. The lower recoil also makes a 20-gauge appropriate for younger shooters who may have a difficult time firing a larger shotgun.

Recommended Cartridges:

  • Federal "Classic"
  • Winchester "Double XX"
  • Remington

16 Gauge: 16 gauge shotgun ammo is one of the best balanced shotgun rounds in the world. Falling between the 12 gauge and 20 gauge in terms of power. The 16 gauge round is almost perfect for hunting medium and small game across North America. Due to the rounds relatively low recoil and relative size, it is an extremely versatile in terms of the size of game that can be hunted, and the size of the shooter.

Recommended Cartridges:

  • Federal "Classic"
  • Winchester "Super X"

12 Gauge: 12 gauge ammunition or shells are the most popular shotgun rounds in the world as well as among United States civilian sport shooters and hunters. There are a number of shot sizes available for 12 gauge shooters. Generally, the larger the number of shot size, the smaller the pellets inside the shell.

Recommended Cartridges:

  • Federal "Tactical"
  • Remington "Magnum"
  • Winchester
  • Federal
  • Remington

.410 Gauge: .410 gauge, is the second-smallest caliber of shotgun shell commonly available. A .410 bore shotgun loaded with shot shells is well suited for small game hunting and pest control. .410 shotguns loaded with shot shells are well suited for small game hunting and pest control; including rabbits, squirrels, snakes, rats, birds, etc. A .410 loaded with 1/4 ounce slugs is effective against larger animals such as coyotes and deer.

Recommended Cartridges:

  • Federal "Classic"
  • Winchester "Super X"

Find wide variety of of affordable shotgun ammunition for self defence and home defence at Outdoor Limited. Shot sizes available ; 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 28 Gauge and 410 gauge from trusted brands Federal and Winchester and more.